Nearly all leading manufacturers of mainboards have introduced motherboards supporting USB 3.1 technology. Since at present the new interconnection tech is positioned as a high-end feature for enthusiasts, mainboards featuring USB 3.1 are all designed for various processors from Intel Corp. However, MicroStar International (MSI) decided to add the new …
Read More »MSI adds USB 3.1 to 12 motherboards
MicroStar International (MSI) on Friday said that it is adding USB 3.1 technology to 12 of its mainboards based on various core-logic sets and designed for different microprocessors. While all new USB 3.1-enabled motherboards from MSI will support 10Gb/s transfer rates, only two of them will sport reversible USB 3.1 …
Read More »Asustek’s Intel Z97 and H97 mainboards now support ‘Broadwell’ CPUs
Intel Corp.’s code-named “Broadwell” processors are still two or three months away, but mainboard makers are already preparing for their arrival. Asustek Computer, the world’s largest producer of motherboards, this week released new BIOS versions for its contemporary mainboards that add support for the new central processing units. As expected, …
Read More »Asrock to use O.C. socket on its Intel X99 mainboards
Just several months ago Asustek Computer started to use a special LGA2011-3 socket on its mainboards based on the Intel X99 core-logic in a bid to enhance overclocking potential of Intel Core i7 “Haswell-E” processors. Earlier this year Gigabyte Technology also started to equip its X99 “Champion” mainboards with custom sockets. …
Read More »Gigabyte Z97X-UD3H-BK Black Edition Motherboard Review
Longevity and reliability are particularly important purchasing decisions for a component such as a motherboard. Quite simply, your system's motherboard failing can be considered not too far off a personal disaster. Gigabyte aims to put those reliability concerns at ease with the 168 hour, server-level validation process used on its …
Read More »Asrock shows off LGA1151 mainboard for Intel ‘Skylake’ processors
At the Embedded World 2015 trade-show this week Asrock demonstrated its first mainboard for LGA1151 central processing units code-named Skylake. DFI, a well-known maker of mainboards that no longer produces products for consumers, is also showcasing its embedded/industrial LGA1151 roadmap at the show. Although makers of desktop mainboards are not …
Read More »Usage of USB 3.1 type-C connectors will not take off before 2016 – Foxlink
Although USB 3.1 type-C connector has loads of benefits for end-users compared to regular USB implementation, its usage will remain insignificant till 2016, according to Foxlink, a leading maker of various ports and connectors. Reversible form-factor and improved durability of the new USB 3.1 type-C connectors bring loads of benefits …
Read More »Asus USB 3.1 Hands-on Preview
The widespread introduction of USB 3.1-capable components is already under way. That roll-out is currently centred around motherboards providing support for the 10Gbps ports, but further devices will make use of the higher speed connector in coming months. We get an early hands-on look at one of Asus' upcoming USB …
Read More »Asrock to add USB 3.1 to mainboards using add-in-cards
Asrock has announced two mainboards with USB 3.1 interconnection technologies. The motherboards will support Intel Corp.’s processors and will add USB 3.1 connectors using add-in-cards. It is unclear whether the boards will be sold separately to add USB 3.1 support to older systems. The family of Asrock’s mainboards with USB …
Read More »MSI offers cashback with purchase of mainboards and graphics cards
In a bid to strengthen its positions on the market of mainboards and graphics cards, MicroStar International initiated a new cashback promo campaign. Those, who purchase a combination of MSI mainboards with graphics cards will be eligible to get part of their money back from the manufacturer. From now on …
Read More »Asustek to release mainboards with USB 3.1 later this month
Although the USB 3.1 standard with a new reversible plug, higher performance and other improvements have been around for about a year now, no commercial PCs so far have adopted it. However, things are going to change soon, when Asustek Computer launches its motherboards with the new interconnection technology. The …
Read More »ASRock Fatal1ty X99M Killer mATX Motherboard Review
ASRock is aiming to offer gamers an uncompromising set of features with its micro-ATX X99M Fatal1ty Killer motherboard. Doing so will require integration of the X99 chipset's features and the plentiful PCIe connectivity of Haswell-E CPUs. How does ASRock's gaming-series mATX offering stack up to the tough competition that is …
Read More »MSI USB 3.1 Hands-on Preview: 10Gbps USB
Arguably the most critical mainstay behind the inter-connectivity of modern technology devices is the Universal Serial Bus, or USB for short. The connection provides opportunity for an almost limitless level of connectivity that has redefined the way in which we use computing devices. So what does it take to make …
Read More »Supermicro unveils X99 mainboard with optional USB 3.1 10Gb/s ports
Supermicro, a leading manufacturer of high-end mainboards for workstations and servers, has revealed its first motherboard based on Intel Corp.’s X99 core-logic. The new platform not only supports Intel’s latest Core i7 Extreme and Xeon processors and overclocking capabilities, but can be equipped with USB 3.1 ports with 10Gb/s bandwidth. …
Read More »Asustek unleashes low-cost mainboard for gamers
Asustek Computer has introduced a new low-cost mainboard that is powered by an inexpensive core-logic set, yet, which is designed for gaming market. The motherboard sports all the essential technologies for gamers, a number of ROG-specific features as well as the company’s legendary quality, but it does not support overclocking. The …
Read More »Specifications of Intel’s ‘Skylake’ 100-series chipsets unveiled
A web-site has published specifications of Intel Corp.’s 100-series core-logic sets designed for the code-named “Skylake” microprocessors due in the third quarter of the year. The new platforms will receive a significant upgrade of PCI Express lanes, which will improve their storage and multi-GPU capabilities. The family of “Skylake”-supporting Intel …
Read More »AMD to unify platforms for high-end FX chips, mainstream APUs
At present Advanced Micro Devices, just like Intel Corp., has two desktop platforms: socket FM2+ for mainstream accelerated processing units and socket AM3+ for high-end FX central processing units. When AMD introduces its new chips in 2016, the company will unify the two platforms, a media report claims. AMD’s forthcoming …
Read More »MSI brings support for NVM Express storage to all X99/Z97/H97 motherboards
MSI has managed to become the world's first motherboard maker to fully support NVM Express storage on all motherboards sporting the Intel 9 series chipset, including X99, Z97 and H97. BIOS updates are now available for users to download via the MSI website. For those who don't know, NVM Express …
Read More »Gigabyte X99M-Gaming 5 mATX Motherboard Review
If you want to reduce the space taken up by your computer, without significant reduction in performance or functionality, opting for a micro ATX system has long been the most effective way of doing so. Can the performance of ATX parts be matched when the Gigabyte X99M-Gaming 5 motherboard's LGA 2011-3 …
Read More »ECS denies plans to exit branded mainboards business
Elitegroup Computer Systems, one of the largest suppliers of mainboards in the world, has denied information that it plans to exit own-brand motherboard business. While the company faces major challenges on the market of DIY [do it yourself] mainboards, it plans to continue offering motherboards under its own trademark. ECS …
Read More »Asus remains top mainboard supplier with 22 million units shipped in 2014
Asustek Computer has announced results of its operations in Q4 2014. The company remained the world’s No. 1 supplier of PC motherboards and also significantly increased sales of other branded products. But the company will likely face a number of challenges in 2015. Asustek sold 22 million branded mainboards for …
Read More »Gigabyte unveils X99 SOC Champion with redesigned LGA2011 socket
Gigabyte Technology has introduced a new Intel X99-based mainboard that is specifically designed for overclockers. The motherboard is not the most feature-rich X99 platform available, but when it comes to overclocking potential, the X99 SOC Champion could offer numerous breakthroughs thanks to redesigned LGA2011 socket with additional pins as well …
Read More »Asustek sells its 500 millionth mainboard, announces global giveaway
Asustek Computer, the world’s largest maker of mainboards, has announced that it had sold its 500 millionth motherboard since its establishment in 1989. To celebrate the milestone, the company announced a global giveaway. “I want to thank all of our customers for their support throughout the past 25 years. We …
Read More »Asus Maximus VII Impact (Z97) mITX Motherboard Review
In the computing world, bigger is usually better. But that doesn't stop us trying to squeeze the same performance out of something that is physically smaller in size. ‘Why?' you ask. Well, perhaps desk space is at a premium or maybe you simply never plan to use multiple graphics cards …
Read More »Biostar to protect mainboards from lightning strikes, electrical surges
Biostar, a well-known maker of mainboards, said this week that its mainboards will be equipped with a technology that helps to protect personal computers against power surges in Ethernet networks as well as against electrostatics. It is not a secret that PC components can be damaged or even destroyed by …
Read More »Asus X99-A Motherboard Review
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises about Intel's most recent iteration of the High-End Desktop (HEDT) platform has been its relative affordability from the perspective of an enthusiast's budget. OK, DDR4 isn't cheap, and nor are processors starting at £300. But when you consider the additional cost over an LGA …
Read More »MSI unveils mini-ITX Z97 mainboard with 802.11ac Killer Wi-Fi, M.2, enhanced cooling
MicroStar International has unveiled its all-new Z97 Gaming ACK mini-ITX mainboard that offers a very good balance between performance, technologies and price. The platform is designed for gamers, who want to have a very small form-factor (SFF) high performance system that does not cost too much. The MSI Z97I Gaming …
Read More »MSI X99S MPower Motherboard Review
Forming the more competitively-priced option in MSI's LGA 2011-3 OC Series motherboard range, the X99S MPower aims to balance the requirements of overclockers, gamers, and enthusiasts at a sub-£190 price tag. Can the features, overclocking functionality, and likeable yellow and black colour scheme attract overclocking users to MSI's aggressively-priced X99S …
Read More »Asus A88X-Gamer Motherboard Review
Sharp eyed readers will see a strong similarity between this Asus A88X-Gamer motherboard and the MSI A88X-G45 Gaming that we recently reviewed. Fair point. Both motherboards use an AMD A88X chipset to support Socket FM2+ and there is a distinct theme of red and black in the styling. Asus tells …
Read More »Razer loves DinoPC – who loves Gigabyte – and here’s why
Around 80% of the population have no idea what a true, high-end gaming PC looks like. KitGuru readers do of course, and so do the folks at Razer. To prove that point, we managed to get a tour around the Razer Battle Bus recently and while there, asked why the mobile marvel has …
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